Defensive duo face spells on the sidelines

Boss Paul Cox has received a setback with the news that defensive duo Ryan Tafazolli and John Dempster are both set for spells on the sidelines through injury.

Scan results have confirmed that Tafazolli, who has been an ever-present this season, tore his hamstring in Saturday’s defeat to Accrington Stanley and will be out of action for up to four weeks.

Meanwhile, Dempster suffered a recurrence of a groin injury in a recent reserve team game against Scunthorpe United and will be sidelined until approximately Christmas.

Assistant manager Adam Murray said: “Tafazolli had a scan yesterday and he’s got a grade one tear in his hamstring, so he’s looking at between three to four weeks [out injured].

“John Dempster saw a specialist yesterday and unfortunately he’s going to need an operation, so we’re looking at up to 10 weeks for him.”

At present, it’s unclear as to whether a new face will be added to our squad before Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two match away to Portsmouth.

“It’s disappointing that we’ve lost out on players in that area and it’s something that we’re going to have to look at,” continued the 33-year-old.

“Whether the manager is allowed to bring in somebody in that position is a discussion for the chairman and directors, but we’re going to have to look at that position as we’re very low in numbers.”

Asked about other injuries at the club, Murray added: “Luke Jones is obviously still a couple of weeks away [from returning], Chris Clements will hopefully be back in training next week, and Rob Taylor returns to training today.